Terminal connector block with plural conductor tabs



Dec. 20, 1960 R. L. LINN 2,965,872

TERMINAL CONNECTOR BLOCK WITH PLURAL CONDUCTOR TABS Filed June 7, 1955 4Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR.

' .5 fiza/zardlluzrz,

@ZM/M/ WW Dec. 20, 1960 R. L. LINN 2,965,872

TERMINAL CONNECTOR BLOCK WITH PLURAL CONDUCTOR TABS Filed June 7, 1955 4Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VEN TOR.

Dec. 20, 1960 R. L. LINN- 2,965,872

TERMINAL CONNECTOR BLOCK WITH PLURAL CONDUCTOR TABS 4 Sheets-Sheet 5Filed June 7, 1955 INVENTQR. Z5 iwkczrdl. LUZ/Z,

TERMINAL CONNECTOR'BLOCK WITH PLURAL CONDUCTOR TABS Filed June 7, 1955R. L. LlNN Dec. 20, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN T013. flcfiard I [4727KBY United States Patent TERMINAL CONNECTOR BL'OCK WITH PLURAL CONDUCTORTABS Richard L. Linn, Northbrook, Ill., assignor, by mesne assignments,to Underwriters Safety Device (30., Chicago, 111., a corporation ofIllinois Filed June 7, 1955, Ser. No. 513,663

12 Claims. (Cl. 339-159) The present invention relates generally toterminal blocks adapted for use in electrical circuits and'systems. Morespecifically the present invention is directed toward the provision ofimproved types of terminal blocks utilizing new and improved electricalconducting means which include block attaching means, the blocks andincorporated electrical conducting means being adapted for inexpensivefabrication, highly efiicient use, ready modification to meet changingrequirements and requiring little if no maintenance.

Many of the modern household appliances have incorporated thereindifferent types of electrically operated devices. For example the moderngas or electric range not only includes the use of heating elements butalso electrically operated timers, thermostats, electrical outlets,lights, etc. These various devices are often capable of independentoperation and as a result there are a number of independent electricalsystems incorporated in the overall design of the range. In theassembling of such devices it is desirable to have a central point atwhich the individual systems are connected to the main source of energy.This central point is not only desirable from the standpoint ofassembling the range during the manufacture thereof but also isdesirable with respect to home installation and maintenance.

Different types of terminal blocks have been designed for the purpose ofdetachably receiving the various electrical circuit leads in devicessuch as the cooking range but it has been found that difliculties arepresent in the use of existing terminal blocks due to various reasons.For example, some of the rather simply constructed terminal blocks arenot capable of permanently maintaining proper contact between thevarious lead connectors. Those blocks which utilize a spring action typeof clamping means for engaging the insertable lead connectors often losetheir inherent resiliency over protracted periods of use. Furthermore,this type of connection has been often found undesirable due to thepresence of irregularities in tension supplied to the spring-likeclamping members. It is diflicult to uniformly provide each clampingmember with the required degree of resiliency necessary to provide theblock with a useful life equivalent to that of the particular devicesincorporated in the range. The failure of even one of the spring-likeclamping members to retain the electrical lead connector firmly withinthe block causes maintenance problems which often require the skill of arepairman in correcting. Furthermore, the known types of terminal blocksare often by necessity complicated in construction as a result ofefforts being made to overcome the inherent disadvantages such as theaforementioned.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new andimproved terminal blocks which are of simple design and construction andwhich make use of new and improved electrical conducting means capableof permanently maintaining proper electrical contact.

A;further object is to provide areadily constructed terminal block which.is adapted for .quick and eflicient ."ductin'g means and blockinterconnecting means.

modification to meet changing electrical requirements in devices whichutilize a plurality of independent electrical systems.

Still a further object is the provision of terminal blocks which includethe use of insulating block housings of simple design which can bereadily formed from moldable material such as plastic and the like andwhich contain removable electrical conducting means in the form ofreadily fabricated metallic strips which in turn are further adapted toremovably receive lead connecting means and permanently maintain highlyefficient electrical contact therebetween thereby alleviating theproblem of loose connections.

Another object is the provision of a substantially flat electricalconducting means formed from relatively nonresilient material which isadapted for ready insertion and removal in a terminal block housing andwhich has integrally formed therewith tabs adapted for securelyreceiving lead connectors and which further is adapted to haveintegrally formed therewith a male plug member.

An additional object is to provide electrical conducting means in theform of strip elements which are readily adapted for formation intovarious configurations to meet varying requirements in the size andshape of their associated insulating block housings.

Still another object is to provide terminal blocks adapted forinterconnection by use of an electrical conductor of resilient stripmetal which can be readily attached to the improved electricalconducting means of the present invention incorporated in theinterconnected terminal blocks.

Another object taken in conjunction with the last mentioned is toprovide various forms of electrical conductors of resilient strip metaladapted for use in the terminal blocks of the present invention forinterconnecting the same in a detachable manner, one form of theconductors being of the type to be removably received by any of theelectrical conducting means incorporated in the terminal blocks, whilethe other form of the electrical conductors is an integral combinationof an improved electrical conducting means with a disconnect tabarrangement which is adapted for frictional engagement with anelectrical conducting means of a separate terminal block.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description.

The present invention contemplates the provision of various forms ofterminal blocks which include a plurality of inwardly extending,laterally spaced recessed portions. These blocks have incorporatedtherein an electrical conducting means which includes a connecting striphaving at least one tab extending laterally thereof into one of therecessed portions. The strip and the tab are of substantially flat crosssection and the tab is adapted to receive a lead connector thereaboutand removably retain the connector indefinitely.

The terminal blocks of the present invention are further adapted to beremovably interconnected by use of a specially designed electricalconductor which is formed from a strip of resilient U-shaped materialhaving an opening in the arcuate portion thereof to receive a tabof theaforementioned electrical conducting means of a first block. The legs ofthe U-shaped connector are provided with ribs or flutes to receivetherebetween a strip element of the type above described which iscarried by a second terminal block. By use of such an electricalconnector the terminal blocks may be removably electrically connected ina back-to-back manner.

Inaddition to the U-shaped electrical conductor for use in removablyinterconnecting a plurality of terminal blocks, the present inventionalso includes the provision of a modified form of integrally combinedelectrical con- Patented Dec. 20, 1960 form of electrical conductorconsists of a tab element of the type previously described integrallyformed with an oppositely directed connector which comprises a pluralityof resilient legs adapted for frictionally gripping a separateelectrical conducting means in the same manner as described inconnection with the resilient U-shaped electrical conductor. Thisadditional form of block connecting means generally comprises anelongated strip forming at one end thereof a tab and at the other endthereof a leg having an indented fluted portion thereon, the stripcontaining laterally extending shoulders intermediate the ends thereofwhich are folded upon themselves in a U-shaped manner and which supportlaterally of the ends therof strips or leg segments which in turncooperate with the aforementioned leg to provide therebetween aresiliently closed gap to frictionally receive another electricalconducting means.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a parallel terminal block shown immediatelyprior to the final step in the assembling thereof and illustrates theinner surfaces of the block members which are unattached and shown in aside-by-side relationship;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the parallel block of Fig. 1 in assembledcondition along the line 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the electricalconducting means utilized in the parallel block of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an elevation of a blank of one of the forms of electricalconducting means forming a part of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a further modification ofelectrical conducting means;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a vertical terminal block illustrating amodification of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the block of Fig. 6 along line 77in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the block of Fig. 6 with the backing andelectrical conducting means removed;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a modified form of parallel terminalblock;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the modified parallel block of Fig. 9 lookingupwardly from the bottom thereof and with the backing member removed;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the terminal block of Fig. 10 along line1111 therein;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a modified form of electricalconducting means which is utilized in the terminal block of Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a modified form of vertical terminalblock;

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of another modified form of vertical terminalblock;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of one form of electrical conducting meansused in the vertical terminal block of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view of the vertical terminal block of Fig. 14with the backing removed and with two of the elements of the type shownin Fig. 15 in their operative position;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the blank of one form of an electricalterminal block connecting means;

Fig. 18 is a side elevation of the blank of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is an elevation of the electrical terminal block connectingmeans as formed from the blank shown in Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a side elevation of the electrical terminal block connectingmeans of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is an elevation of a slightly modified form of ilectricalterminal block connecting means shown in Fig. 22 is a side elevation ofthe modified electrical terminal block connecting means of Fig. 2l;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation of two forms of vertical terminal blocksconnected with one another by use of a plurality of electrical terminalblock connecting means, a portion of each block being broken away toillustrate certain of the connecting means and internal components ofthe two blocks in full lines;

Fig. 24 is a top plan view of the connected terminal blocks of Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a bottom plan view of the connected terminal blocks of Fig.23;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the bottom vertical terminal block ofFig. 23, this block being disconnected from the upper terminal block ofFig. 23;

Fig. 27 is a plan view of the blank of a modified form of an electricalterminal block connecting means;

Fig. 28 is an elevation of the modified electrical terminal blockconnecting means as formed from the blank shown in Fig. 27;

Fig. 29 is a side elevation of the electrical terminal block connectingmeans of Fig. 28; and

Fig. 30 is an elevation of the reverse face of the electrical terminalblock connecting means shown in Fig. 28.

In Fig. 1 an open parallel terminal block is shown having block members36 and 37 in side-by-side relation with their inner surfaces facingupwardly to better illustrate the internal construction of the block.Each of the block members 36 and 37 has raised end portions 38,longitudinally extending raised central portions 39, raised end portions40 and laterally extending raised central portions 41. The raisedportions 38-41 are intended to be placed in abutting relation upon theassembling of the block members 36 and 37 by moving the top surfacesshown in Fig. 1 into engagement. The block members 36 and 37 containbores 42 along the raised end portions 38 and 40 which become alignedupon the assembly thereof to provide openings for the insertion ofrivets to fixedly secure the block members 36 and 37 in abuttingengagement. Block member 36 contains two grooves or slots 43 whichextend laterally across the raised end portion 38 and which are adaptedfor alignment with laterally extending grooves or slots 44 in the raisedend portion 38 of block member 37. Each of the block members 36 and 37are provided with laterally extending upstanding ridges 45 which may beof varying width, as indicated at 45' and which define therebetweengrooves 46. The grooves 46 of the block members 36 and 37 are adaptedfor alignment upon the positioning of the block members 36 and 37 inabutting relation to thereby form inwardly extending, laterally spacedrecessed portions 47 (see Fig. 2) on the two side surfaces of theparallel terminal block 35. Block member 37 is further provided withvertical grooves or slots .8 and 49 which are positioned at the inwardends of the grooves 46. The vertical grooves 48 extend longitudinallybetween end portion 38 and central portion 41 and are adapted to receiveelectrical conducting means 50 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The electrical conducting means 50, more clearly illustrated in Fig. 3,consists of a connecting strip 51 which has integrally attached theretoa plurality of laterally extending tabs 52. Each of the tabs 52 includesa base section 53 which, as shown in Fig. 3, is of an arcuate shaperesulting from the tabs 52 being bent with relation to the connectingstrip 51. The bending of the tabs 52 in this respect is carried out toprepare the electrical conducting means 50 for use in conjunction withthe parallel terminal block 35 shown in Fig. 1. Each of the basesections 53 extend laterally of their associated tab 52 to provideshoulders 54 thereto. The shoulders 54 of each adjoining tab 52 arespaced from one another thereby providing an exposed top surface portion55 of the connecting strip 51 resulting in a predetermined spacing ofeach tab 52 and its associated base section 53.

During the assembling of the parallel terminal block 35 the connectingstrip 51 of each electrical conducting means 50 is inserted in one ofthe slots 48 in such a manner as to position the tabs 52 so that theyare directed outwardly from the raised portion 39 of the block member 37intermediate the ridges 45. As shown in Fig. 2, the tabs 52 are [heldout of contact with the surfaces of the recessed portions 47.

The electrical conducting means 50 shown in Fig. 3 is particularlyadapted for use in the parallel terminal block 35 of Figs. 1 and 2 butis formed from a blank 56 similar to that shown in Fig. 4. Referring tothe blank 56 in Fig. 4 the tabs 52 are shown as having bevelled corners57 and the connecting strip 51 extends well beyond one of the endmosttabs 52. The extension of the connecting strip 51 contains notches 58near the end thereof and an end portion 59 which is adapted to be foldedinwardly against the surface of the connecting strip 51 as shown in Fig.3. Drilled holes 60 are suitably positioned in the extension of theconnecting strip 51 and these holes in combination with the doubled endacquired by folding the portion 59 against the inner portion of theconnecting strip 51 form a male plug member 61 shown in Fig. 3. Intransforming the blank 56 shown in Fig. 4 into the electrical conductingmeans 50 of Fig. 3 it is necessary only to fold the end portion 59 inthe manner just described and bend the tabs 52 about their base sections54 at right angles to the connecting strip 51. The blank 56 is therebymodified for use in the parallel terminal block 35 of Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 it can be seen that the electrical conductingmeans 50 is inserted in the slot 48 and the extension of the connectingstrip 51 is inserted into one of the slots 44. The male plug member 61extends outwardly beyond the end of the block member 37 and by using twoof the electrical conducting means 50 a complete male plug member isprovided to the block. The grooves 43 in the block member 36 are alignedwith the grooves 44 of the block member 37 to receive the top portionsof the connecting strip 51 thereby holding the electrical conductingmeans 50 firmly within the terminal block 35 upon the assembly thereof.As shown in Fig. 1 the electrical conducting means 50 contains 8- shapedbends 62 near the first tab 52 to conform with the spacing of the slots44. The S-shaped bends 62 not only further aid in retaining theconducting means 50 in the slots 44 and 48 but also allow the tabs 52 tobe positioned more toward the center of the block while spacing the maleplug members 61 at a distance from one another suitable for the use ofconventional sockets.

Fig. 5 shows a different type of electrical conducting means 63 which isadapted for use in slots 49 in the block member 37. The electricalconducting means 63 is a short member including a connecting strip 64and bent tabs 65. The tabs 65 are integrally connected to the strip 64by base sections 66 which in turn contain laterally extending shoulders67 and are also spaced from one an other to provide an open toppedsurface portion 68 to the strip 63 intermediate the tabs 65.Furthermore, the tabs 65 are bevelled along their outer corners as at 69as previously described in connection with the tabs 52 of the electricalconducting means 50. In comparing Fig. 5 with Fig. 3 it can be seen thatthe electrical conducting means 63 is quite similar to the electricalconducting means 50 but does not contain the male plug member 61 nordoes it contain the same number of tabs. The electrical conducting means63 is inserted in the slots 49 of the block 37 in the same manner asdescribed in connection with the electrical conducting means 50. Theabut 1 ment between the block members 36 and 37 is capable of the block37. As the electrical conducting means 63,

in the form shown, consists merely of two tabs it is desired to properlyposition the tabs within their respective recessed portions 47 andrestrict the tabs to that particular area. To do this it will be notedin Fig. 1 that the left thicker than the intermediate ridges 45 forpurposes of identification. In other words the thickened ridges 45' arenoticeable along the side surface of the assembled terminal block 35 andindicate the location of each conducting means 63 thereby alleviatingany confusion between' any two conducting means 63 during theinterconnection of separate circuits.

As can be seen from the types of conducting means shown, various formsof electrical conducting means may be used depending upon the type ofelectrical connection desired. For example, in utilizing the electricalconducting means 63 it is possible to interconnect two circuits at acentral point without interference from other circuits. By use of theelectrical conducting means 50 a number of circuits can beinterconnected with a source of electricity and in the same manner theinterconnection between the various systems may be readily changed ordiscontinued at will.

The type of female connector 70 preferably used in conjunction with thetabs 5-2 and 65 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The connector 70 includes abody portion 71 which snugly fits against the bottom surface of the tab'52 and is held in place by arcuate arms 72 which are folded inwardlyover the top surface of the tab 52. The connector 7 t) is madepreferably of slightly resilient material to allow a force fit betweenthe tabs 52 and the inwardly folded edges of the arms 72. The bodyportion 71 further contains an additional pair of arms 73 foldedinwardly and downwardly over the wires of an electrical lead 74 which isfirmly clamped at the edge of its insulation by an additional pair ofarms 75. As can be readily seen from Figs. 1 and 2 the type ofelectrical connection obtained between the tabs 52 and the connector 70includes the use of a rather large surface area. The relative flatnessof the combined units further guards against undesirable rotation of oneelement with relation to another thereby negating the creation of aloose connection. The suspension of the tabs 52 out of contact with allof the surfaces of the ridges 45 and grooves 46 which combine to formthe recessed portions 47 insures proper engagement between the tabs 52and the connector 70.

The use of relatively non-resilient material in the manufacture of theelectrical conducting means 50, 56 and 63 provides a substantially rigidtab which is capable of readily receiving the resilient arms 72 of theconnector 70.

'The bevelled corners 57 and 69 of the tabs 50 and 63,

respectively,'act to aid in guiding the connector 70 into full contactwith the tabs thereby insuring ready engagement of the elements. 7

Referring to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, a vertical terminal block 76 is shownwhich incorporates the general principles of the present inventionrelating to simplicity of design in construction as well as efficiencyin use. The vertical block 76 has a body portion 77 which contains aplurality of inwardly extending, laterally spaced 'recessed' formtherebetween the recessed portions 78. The block 76 further contains anumber of thicker upstanding walls :member 61.

every other, respect similar to the blank 56 shown in Fig.

. thereof.

86 which define the differently arranged recessed portions 1 79. Thebottoms of the recessed portions 78 and 79 are substantially closedexcept for the provision of upstanding slots or grooves 87 and 88intowhich the electrical conducting means 89 and 90, similar to thosepreviously described; are inserted. The electrical conducing means 89,can be formed from the blank 56 of Fig. 4 by merely folding theprojection 59 inwardly upon a portion of theconnecting strip 51 therebyforming a male plug The electrical conducting means 89 is in .4 inthatit is. made up from a connecting strip 51, from whichtabs 52 havingbase sections 53' laterally extend, shoulders 54 and intermediateconnecting strip portions 55. .The tabs 52 are maintained in coplanarrelationship with the connecting strip 51 and extend laterally Theelectrical conducting means 90 is quite similar to electrical conductingmeans 63 shown in Fig. .withthe exception that.the tabs 65 are retainedin coplanar relationship with the connecting strip 64. In other words,as shown in Fig. 5 the tabs 65 are bent at rightangles-to the connectingstrip 64 thereby adapting the electrical conducting means 63 for use inthe parallel terminal block 35 of Figs. 1 and 2. When it is desiredtouse a double tab electrical conducting means such as 90 in Fig. 7 itis necessary merely to retain the tabs 65 in coplanar relationship withthe connecting strip 64 to thereby allow the tabs and connecting stripto be inserted through the groove 88 to position, the tabs 65 within therecessed portions 79 and the connecting strip 64 within the groove 88.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the body portion 77 of the verticalterminal block 76 with the backing 83 removed and the electricalconducting means 89 and 90 removed from their respective slots 87 and88. In referring to Figs. 7 and 8 it will be noted that the slots 87 areeach adapted to receive an electrical conducting means 89 in such amanner that the tabs 52 thereof extend inwardly into the recessedportions 78. To retain the electrical conducting means 89 properlywithin the body portion 77 the exposed top surfaces 55 of the connectingstrip 51 abut the bottom edge of the upstanding walls 85. This featureis shown clearly in Fig. 7 and to further illustrate the construction ofthe body portion 77 a portion of the electricalconducting means 89 iscut away to show one sidewall of the slot 87. The manner in which thewalls 85 extend across the slots 87 l to receive the exposed top surfaceportions 55 of the elec- 78 and 79 and the associated slots 87 and 88 incommunication with these portions. The electrical conducting means 89and 90 are then inserted in their respective slots and the tabs 52 and65 extend centrally within the recessed portions 78 and 79. The backingmember 83 of suitable insulating material is then placed in positionflush with the bottomsurface ofthe body portion 77 and the rivet 82along with any other number of suitable rivets is applied to fixedlysecure the backing member 83 to the body portion 77.

As shown in Fig. 7' the connector 70 may be readily inserted within therecessed portions 78 or 79 into association with the tabs. As can beseen from this arrangement as compared with the parallel terminal block35 of Fig. l, the electrical conducting means blank 56, as'shown in Fig.4, is adapted for modification thereby making it highly useful invarious forms of terminal block housings? Only minor'modifications arenecessary 1' n order to prepare the-electrical conducting-means blank56for use either in a parallel terminal block 35 or vertical terminalblock 76.

Fig. 13 sets forth a vertical terminal block 92 of slightly modifieddesign which makes use of two rows of recessed portions 78 and whichutilizes two electrical .conducting means 89 in the same manner aspreviously described in connection with Figs. 6-8. In considering themodification shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 13 it can be readily seen that thegeneral principles utilized in the construction of the terminal blocksof the present invention can be fully realized and followed in themanufacture of terminal blocks of varying designs capable of meetingmany different needs.

.Still a further modification of the type of terminal block capable ofincorporating the general objects of the present invention is set forthin Figs. 9-12. The terminal block 93 illustrated therein is a paralleltype block somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 1. The block 93contains a body portion 94 which has a central ridge 95 from whichlaterally extends a plurality of ridges 96. Rivets 97 inserted throughthe body portion 94 fasten a backing 98 to the bottom surface of thebody portion 94. The backing 93 in combination with the central ridge 95and lateral ridges 96 define a plurality of inwardly extending recessedportions 99.

Fig. 12 illustrates an electrical conducting means 100 of substantiallydifferent design but which is capable of carrying out.the objects of thepresent invention when used in conjunction with the body portion 94 andbacking 98. The electrical conducting means 100 consists of a flatcentral strip 101 which has integrally attached thereto a plurality oftabs 102 extending laterally thereof. Intermediate the taps 102 and thecentral strip 101 are upstanding shoulders 103. The corners of the tabs102 are beveled as at 104. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11 the electricalconducting means 100 is mounted over the cen* tral ridge 95 in the bodyportion 94 and is held in posi tion by the inner surface of the backing98. The pro vision of the upstanding shoulders 103 positions the tabs102 independent of all of the. sides of the recessed portions 99. Theelectrical conducting means as shown contains three tabs 102 with onecorner of the central strip 101 being cut at an angle or bevelled toeliminate unnecessary material as well as provide room for theprotruding tab 102 of a second electrical conducting means 100. Aparticular use of the angled corner of thecentral strip 101 isshownclearly in Fig. 10 wherein a complement of electrical conducting means-100 are mounted in their operative position on the central ridge 95. Incomparing the type of electrical conducting means shown in Fig. 12 withthose shown in the above described figures it can be seen that suchmeans could be provided with any number of tabs depending on the type ofelec trical. circuit. needed. For example, the three-tabbed electricalconducting means 100 can be used to interconnect ,two separate systemsand also be connected to a source of electrical power to provide therequisite energy to the two systems.

Figs. 14-16 illustrate a further modifications of a termi' nal blockwhich incorporates a slightly modified form of electrical conductingmeans; The terminal block 105 shown in Figs. 14 and 16 is a modifiedform of vertical terminal block having a slightly different arrangementof recessed portions 106 in the block housing 107. A bot tom plan viewof. the. block,10 5 is shown in Fig. 16 with the backing memberremovedrand the modified electrical conducting means of Fig. 15 inplace. The block 105 is of similar construction asthosepreviously.described with the exception that'theblock isprovided with slots'ltiz'swhich contain segments at, right angles to one an other thereby.allowingthe extension ofthe male plug members of the electricalconducting means to be positioned outwardly of the. side of the block.,Referring in particular to the type of electricalgconducting-meanstusedin. order tozmakembssiblenthis arrangement..reference is madeparticularly to Fig. 15 wherein an electrical con ducting means 109 isshown as being constructed similarly to the blank 56 of Fig. 4. Themeans 109 consists of a connecting strip portion 110 from which spacedtabs 111 laterally extend in a coplanar relation. Here again the tabsare integrally connected to the connecting strip L10 by base sections112 which provide shoulders 113 to the tabs. The extension of theconnecting strip 112 which forms a male plug member 114 is bent at rightangles to the remainder thereof thereby allowing the male plug member114 to extend laterally of the main portion of the electrical conductingmeans 109.

The electrical conducting means 109 is shown inserted in the grooves 108of the body portion 107 of the vertical terminal block 105 in Fig. 16.The remaining grooves 115 are adapted to receive the various types ofelectrical conducting means previously described and communicate withthe additional recessed portions 116 shown in Fig. 14 in theconventional manner.

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate a blank from which a form of U-shapedconnector 117 is formed for use in electrically connecting two terminalblocks in a back-to-back relation. The U-shaped connector 117 is animportant feature of the present invention in that it further providesgreater adaptability to the terminal blocks previously described inmeeting the requirements of changes in electrical systems. The blankfrom which the U-shaped connector 117 is formed consists of a centralportion 118 which is of generally rectangular shape and which containscentrally thereof a rectangular opening or slot 119 wide enough toreceive a tab such as the tab 52 therethrough. Side portions 120 of thecentral portion 118, which aid in defining the opening 119, provideshoulders to the U-shaped connector 117. Extending outwardly on eitherside of the central portion 118 are legs 121 which are indentedlongitudinally thereof to form flutes or indents 122. The blank of Figs.17 and 18 is folded upon itself along the central portion 118 along aline extending laterally and centrally of the side portions 120 to formthe arcuate section of the U-shaped connector 117. The final form of theU-shaped connector 117 is shown in Figs. 19 and 20 wherein it can beseen that the flutes or indents 122 are positioned on the inner surfacesof the legs 121 in such a manner as to become juxtaposed upon thefolding of the blank into its operative position. The clearance leftbetween the folded portions of the central portion 118 is preferablyequal to the thickness of the electrical conducting means. The endmostportions of the legs 121 are flanged at 123 to provide self-aligningmeans to the U-shaped connector 117 when it is inserted within aterminal block.

A slightly modified form of a U-shaped connector 117' is shown in Figs.21 and 22. The modification existing in this form resides in thepositioning of the flutes or indents 122. Instead of the flutesextending longitudinally of the legs 121' the modified flutes 122 extendlaterally across the legs 121 near the ends thereof. As can be seen inFig. 22 the flutes are arranged to be juxtaposed and due to theresiliency of legs 121 it is possible to force an electrical conductingmeans in between the flutes 122 and upwardly into the space existingbetween the legs 121'. The lateral flutes 122 are preferred over thelongitudinal flutes 122 in view of the wiping action obtained in the useof the U-shaped connector 117. As the flutes 122' are forced across theopposite surfaces of an electrical conducting means they wipe thesurface in such a manner as to insure proper electrical contact betweenthe connector 117 and the electrical conducting means associatedtherewith. By using flutes of this nature it is also possible to obtaina greater surface area contact between the inner surfaces of the legs121' and the outer surfaces of the associated electrical conductingmeans. In other words, due to the longitudinal length of the flutes 122of the connector 117 the area of the connector 117 contacting thesurfaces of the electrical conducting means positioned in between thelegs is solely the outer surface of the flutes and the remaining surfaceof the legs does not come into electrical contact with the conductingmeans. Therefore, in utilizing a laterally positioned flute a greatersurface area contact is obtainable.

Figs. 23-25 illustrate the manner in which the U-shaped connector 117 isused in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As canbe seen in Fig. 23 an upper vertical terminal block 124 similar to thatdisclosed in Fig. 6 and a lower vertical terminal block 125 alsosomewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 6 are attached in a back-to-backrelation by a plurality of U-shaped connectors 117 as well as a modifiedform of connector to be subsequently described. The vertical terminalblock 124 contains electrical conducting means 89' of the type shown inFig. 7 which contain vertical tabs 52 extending upwardly into therecessed portions 126. The vertical terminal block 125 containselectrical conducting means 127 which are of the type disclosed in Fig.7 without the male plug member 61' and having tabs 52 extending intorecessed portions 128. Each of the vertical terminal blocks 124 and 125contains backing members 129.

Referring to the manner in which the U-shaped connector 117' isutilized, reference is made particularly to Fig. 23 wherein it is shownat the right thereof a U-shaped connector 117 mounted over a connectingstrip 51 positioned in the vertical terminal block 125 with theassociated tab 52 of the connecting strip 51 extending through theopening or slot 119 in the central portion 118. The legs 121 of theconnector 117 extend through the backing member 129 and outwardly of thevertical terminal block 125. A suitable slot is supplied in the backingmember 129 of the vertical block 124 to receive the legs therethroughand to allow the legs to straddle a connecting strip 51 of one of theelectrical conducting means 89' therein. The material used to form theU-shaped connector 117 is preferably resilient to allow a certain amountof spring action in the legs 121 when they are moved outwardly away fromone another by the insertion of a connecting strip 51 therebetween. Fig.24 is a top plan view of the connected blocks of Fig. 23 and, incompleting this connection, the flanges 123 on the ends of the legs 121afford ready receiving of the connecting strip 51 between the legs 121.The bottom plan view of the joined blocks of Fig. 23 is shown in Fig. 25and here it can be seen that the side portions are positioned on eitherside of the upstanding tab 52 and the inner surface of the arcuatesections of side portions 120 rest against the upper surface of theexposed connecting strip 51 intermediate the tabs 52.

It should be understood that the U-shaped connector 117 is particularlyimportant where changes are made in existing electrical systems and itis found necessary to rearrange the circuits or add additional ones. Inthis manner, for example, a terminal block such as can be added to thesystem and readily attached to an existing vertical terminal block suchas 124. By this arrangement it is unnecessary for the terminal block 125to'contain electrical conducting means having male plug members formedintegrally therewith. The electrical current passing through theterminal block 124 can be tapped by the use of any number of U-shapedconnectors 117 to provide a suitable source of power in the systemcontrolled by the attached terminal block 125. The U-shaped connector117' is attached in the same manner as described in connection with theU-shaped connector 117. As previously describedthe U-shaped connector117 is preferred over the U-shaped connector 117 because of the lateralflutes provided on the legs thereof which are capable of supplying awiping action to the connecting strip 51 introduced between the legs.

Referring now to Fig. 26 wherein a perspective'view of terminal block125 is shown disconnected from'ter- 1 minal block 124 and illustratingthe manner in which the legs 121 of a series of U-shaped connectors 117extend outwardly of the backing member 129. The backing member 129contains a series of openings 130 through which the legs 121 of theU-shaped connectors 117 extend. Corresponding openings are positioned inthe backing member 129 of the terminal block 124 to receive the legs 121therethrough as previously described.

The flanged ends 123 of the legs 121 are adapted for self-alignment withtheir respective connecting strips 51 when the block 125 is. attached tothe block 124. ,The

, resilient nature ofthe legs 121 makes it possible forthe blocks .124and 125 to be tightly held in electrical contact without tbeuse of any.additional means for clamping the blocks together. The arrangementdescribed allows the blocks to be readilyclamped together and easilyseparated at will.

portions 135 which contain at the ends thereof laterally extending legsegments 136. These segments contain near the ends thereof indents orflutes .137. The body portion 132 has the remainingend thereof formedinto a resilient leg '138 which contains a laterally extending indent139 thereacross. In assembling theblank of Fig. 27 into the finishedconnector 131 of Figs. 28-30 the leg seg- Il'lCIliS 136'ure foldedupwardly and inwardly toward -one another followed by a downward foldingto finally position them at a predetermined distance from the innersurface of theleg 138. The fold is accomplished along lines extendinglaterally across the arms 13S thereby allowing the leg segments 136 tobe folded inwardly upon the leg 138.

In Fig. 29 it can be seen that the indents or flutes 137 of the legsegments 136 become juxtapositioned with respect to the indent 139 onthe leg 138. This is quite similar to the arrangement described withrelation to the legs'i121 of the U-shaped connector 117 shown inFigs. 21and 22. As can be seen in'com-paring Fig. 28 with Fig. 30-the legsegments-136 on one side constitute a single clamping meansfor-engagement with a surface of a-connecting strip while the leg 138 onthe other side of the connector 131 engages the remaining side oftheconnecting strip to thereby clamp the connecting strip against theinner surfaces of the leg-138 and leg segments 136. Fig; 29 illustratesthe leg 138 and the leg segments 136 r as being provided with flanges140to aid in guiding the leg and leg segments into proper contact Withaconnect ing strip. Ascan still further be seen'in Fig. 29 the tab 133 ismoved out of coplanar relationship with the leg138 by means of anS-shaped curve 141. The curve or bend 141 is provided to position thetab 133 in a plane which lies in between the leg 138 and the legsegments 136. This isdone to insure proper positioning of the tab 133when it is inserted into a recessed portion of a block housingg Aspreviously described it is necessary that a the tab 133 be positionedcentrally of its associated i recessed portion to thereby facilitate itsconnection with a lead connector. u Referring back to Figs. 23-25 theuse of the connector .131 isillustrated in the. attached blocks '124-and"125. :Particular reference is made'to Fig. 23 wherein on the left:hand-portion thereof a connector 131 is shown'in its open ;tiveposition. The .connector131is used only where it is desired to maintaina. single. tab unconnected with any other tabs in a terminal blockwhileproviding the .single tab. with disconnect means for connection with .aconnecting strip of an.electricalmndugtingmeans.positioned in:

L; 12 another block. It is oftenfound desirable to maintain a singleisolated tab in a terminal block while at the same time electricallyconnecting the tab with another. tab situated in an independent andcompletely separate block particularly when circuits are removed oradded.

Block 125 contains a recessed portion 142 of conventional design intothe lower portion of whichis positioned the tab 133 of the connector131., The shoulders formed b ythe folding of the leg connecting strips135 form the equivalent of the aforedescribed.connecting strip 51 andabut the ends of the recessed portion 142 to properly position the tab133 therein. As; previously described the S-shaped bend 141 is providedat the base of,the tab 133 to centrally locate the tab within therecessed portion. The backing member 129 abuts the opposite surface ofthe shoulders formed by the leg connecting strip 135 to retain theconnector'131 tightly within the block 125. A suitable opening int-hebacking member 129 receives the leg 138 and its associated leg segments137 in the same manner as described in connection with the connectors117 shown in Fig. 26. The backing member 129 of the block 124 alsocontains an aligned opening therein through which the leg,138 and itsassociated: leg segments 136 can be inserted to engage therebetween aconnecting strip 51 of an electrical conducing means mounted in theterminal block 124. The connecting strip 51 clampingly received bytheleg 138 and the leg segments 136 may be part of a single tab 52 ormay be a part of a series of tabs. As shown in Fig. 23 the connectingstrip 51 is part of a single tab unit 143 merely for purposes ofillustration. In this manner it can further be appreciated that a singletab unit can be provided in a block such as-124 to which can beconnected by means of connectors 117, 117 or 131 a tab and strip elementof a second block thereby reducing the amount of material necessaryin-the; individual J blocks during the fabrication thereof.

In Fig. 25 the bottom plan view of the connected blocks 124 and 125 ofFig. 23 illustratesthe positioning of the tab 133 of theconnector 131 inthe recessed portion 142. i From this it can be seenthat the tab 133 iscentrally located therein, free from contact with the inner surfaces ofthe recessed portion 142. In the top plan view of the connected blocks124 and 125 shown in Fig.

i 24 the tab 52 of the element-143 is shown positioned in a recessedportion 144. On either side of the tab 52 can be seen the flanged ends140 of the connector 131.

s In considering Figs. 35, 12 and 15, it should be readily apparent thatthe electrical conducting means of the present invention is not onlysimply constructed and therefore readily fabricated but is also highlyadaptablefor varying needs. The tabs 52 can be arranged at any desiredangle to the connectingstrip 51 if it should be desired to make use of aterminal block having angled re- I cessed portions therein. Furthermore,the connecting strip can be supplied with any number of tabs dependingupon the number of recessed portions provided inthe block housing. Infurther consideration of Figs. 1, 6, 1.3;and 14 a as well as thevertical terminal; blocks 124 and.125, of

Figs. 23-25, the block may take many; forms and configurations dependingupon the conditions under which it is used. For example, theparallelterminal block 35 of Fig. 1 is particularly adapted for use in a spaceof limited depth while the vertical terminal block such as 76isparticularly adapted for use in spaces. which are limited in width. Therecessedportions may be arranged on any surface ofthe block housinginanyrelation desired with respect to one another. An example ofthis issetforth in the vertical block housing .76..0f Fig. 6. ;The.greatadaptabil ty of the electricalgconducting. means to meet varyingrequirements allows'space saving: features as: further illustrated bythevertical terminal block 76 of; Fig. 6. As can be seen therein, some ofthe recessed portions 79- are in a different positionjwithyrespect totherecessed portions 78. andfunction independently of tthe latter. In

. .Q her. mortise-single terminahblock can herdesigned to 13 containelectrical conducting means therein which are arranged to meet all therequirements of a rather complicated network of systems which wouldordinarily require the use of a plurality of terminal blocks.

It should be further noted that the recessed portions provided in allofthe terminal blocks disclosed may be designed to guide the leadconnector 70 into proper engagement with the tab 52. The innerdimensions of the recessed portions can be readily regulated to allowthe inner walls thereof to act as guiding surfaces against the outersurfaces of the lead connector 70 thereby insuring proper alignmentbetween the lead connnector 70 and the tab 52. By such an arrangementthe lead connectors may be operatively contacted with the tabs in asplit second without the necessity of moving the connectors back andforth until proper contact is obtained with the tabs. This feature is ofparticular importance where a terminal block of the present invention isused in remote location where it is impossible to observe the recessedportions or tabs during the insertion of the connectors. This feature isfurther important in that an unskilled person can readily obtain aproper connection by merely inserting the connector within the recessedportion. Guesswork and any appreciable mechanical skill is therebyalleviated in the use of the terminal blocks.

The terminal blocks are further adapted for the printing of indicia onany of the surfaces thereof to properly identify the manner in which-thevarious systems should be connected to the terminal block. The parallelterminal block 35 of Fig. 1 is particularly adapted for this purpose.The outer surface of either of the block members 36 and 37 may besupplied with directions covering the manner in which the electricalsystems should be interconnected.

In the instance where plastic material is used to form the blockhousing, such directions may be supplied to the outer surface of thehousing during the molding thereof.

Again referring to the simplicity of use of the terminal blocks of thepresent invention it should be pointed out that with the provision ofmale plug members the blocks may be connected with a source ofelectrical current in the conventional manner thereby alleviating thenecessity of soldering or the use of other rather complicated connectingmethods. This feature is of particular importance where an unskilledperson is attempting to install a gas range or the like as it isunnecessary to shut off the building current during installation. Manytypes of terminal blocks presently used require the connection of twoseparate leads into the block to supply electrical current to theconnected systems of the range. In other words, it is necessary to firstinsert one lead and then insert a hot lead into the block in order tosupply to the block the requisite current. In making this connection itis necessary to shut off the building current to alleviate shortcircuiting the system as well as personal injury to the person makingthe installation. By the provision of the male plug members in theblock, instantaneous contact can be made between the two male plugmembers with the building current during the plug-in of the block into asuitable socket in the range or in the building itself. As a result nodamage can occur to the equipment or to the person making theinstallation. The type of electrical connections used are very simple tocomplete and no special equipment is necessary to interconnect aplurality of independent systems. The block connectors 117 and 131 mayalso be used by an unskilled person as the installation of theconnectors is relatively simple and does not require the use of anyspecial equipment. A block connector fabricated from spring bronze hasbeen found to be highly desirable and efficient in operation.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention ashereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed asare indicated in the appended claims.

I claim: 7

1. A terminal block comprising a top and bottom member, each of saidmembers having a plurality of horizontal grooves extending outwardlytoward at least one side thereof, the grooves of said members beingaligned to define recessed portions opening inwardly along said side ofsaid block, a longitudinally continuous vertical groove on one of saidmembers associated with the inner ends of said recessed portions, anelectrical conducting means including a connecting strip received insaid vertical groove and having integrally formed therewith at least onetab extending outwardly of said vertical groove and laterally of saidstrip and into one of said recessed portions, said tab adapted toreceive a lead connector thereabou-t within said recessed portion.

2. A terminal block comprising a top and bottom member, each of saidmembers having a plurality of horizontal grooves extending outwardlytoward at least one side thereof, the grooves of said members beingaligned to define recessed portions opening inwardly along said side ofsaid block, a longitudinally continuous vertical groove on one of saidmembers associated with the inner ends of said recessed portions, anelectrical conducting means including a connecting strip received insaid vertical groove and having integrally formed therewith at least onetab extending outwardly of said vertical groove and laterally of saidstrip into one of said recessed portions, said strip extending outwardlyof said block and having its outermost portion folded rearwardly uponitself to form a male plug member, said strip and said tab each beingsubstantially fiat in cross section, said tab adapted to receive a leadconnector thereabout within said recessed portion.

3. A terminal block comprising a plurality of inward- 1y extendinglaterally spaced recessed portions along one surface thereof, at leastone slot in said block removably receiving an electrical conductingmeans, said means including a connecting strip received in said slot andhaving integrally formed therewith at least one tab extending laterallythereof and in coplanar relationship therewith into one of said recessedportions, said strip extending outwardly of said block andhaving itsoutermost portion folded rearwardly upon itself to form a male plugmember, said tab extending into said recessed portion substantiallyequidistant from the top and bottom thereof and spaced from the sidesthereof and adapted to receive a lead connector thereabout, andretaining means associated with said slot to retain said connectingstrip therein.

4. A terminal block comprising a plurality of inwardly extendinglaterally spaced recessed portions along one surface thereof, at leastone slot in said block removably receiving an electrical conductingmeans, said means including a connecting strip received in said slot andhaving integrally formed therewith at least one tab extending laterallythereof and in coplanar relationship therewith into one of said recessedportions, a portion of said strip positioned in an angular relation withthe remainder therea of and extending outwardly of said block to oneside thereof and having its outermost portion folded rearwardly uponitself to form a male plug member, said tab extending into said recessedportion substantially equidistant from the top and bottom thereof andspaced from the sides thereof and adapted to receive a lead connectorthereabout, and retaining means associated with said slot to retain saidconnecting strip therein.

5. A terminal block comprising a plurality of horizontal groovesextending outwardly toward the sides thereof, a vertical upstanding ribin said block defining the inner ends of said grooves, an electricalconducting means removably mounted on said rib and of substantially U-shape outline having tabs integral with the ends of the legs thereof andextending laterally with relation thereto,

said tabs extending into said grooves and adapted to receive a leadconnector thereabout, and removable cover means attached to said blockto retain said electrical conducting means on said rib, said cover meanscooperating with said grooves to define laterally spaced outwardlyopening recessed portions and intimately holding the body portion ofsaid' conducting means against and on said rib.

6. A terminal block comprising a plurality of horizontal groovesextending outwardly toward the sides thereof, a vertical upstanding ribin said block defining the inner ends of said grooves, an electricalconducting means removably mounted on said rib and of substantiallyU-shape outline having vertically extending legs in a planeparallel withthe sides of said rib, tabs integrally connected with the ends of saidlegs and extending latorally and outwardly with relation thereto, saidtabs extending into said grooves and each being adapted to receive alead connector thereabout, and removable cover means attached to saidblock to retain said electrical conducting means on said rib, said covermeans cooperating with said grooves to define laterally spaced outwardlyopening recessed portions and intimately holding the body portion ofsaid conducting means against and on said rib.

7. A terminal block comprising a plurality of inwardly extendinglaterally spaced recessed portions along at least one surface thereof,means in said block removably receiving an electrical conductor ofsubstantially rigid material, said conductor including a connectingstrip having integrally formed therewith at least one tab extendinglaterally thereof into one of said recessed porreceive a lead connectorthereabout, and a separate electrical connector mounted in said block,said connector having a body portion with resilient legs extendingtherefrom in substantially parallel and coextensive relation to oneanother, said legs extending outwardly of said block and adapted to beurged outwardly out of parallel rela-' tion upon receiving a connectingstrip of a second electrical conductor in a second terminal blockthereby physically and electrically interconnecting said blocks.

8. A terminal block comprising a plurality of inwardly extendinglaterally spaced recessed portions along at least one surface thereof,means in said block removably receiving an electrical conductor ofsubstantially rigid material, said conductor including a connectingstrip having integrally formed therewith at least one tab extendinglaterally thereof into one of said recessed portions, said strip andsaidtab each being substantially flat in cross section, said tabextending into said recessed portion substantially equidistant from thetop and bottom thereof and spaced from the sides thereof and adapted toreceive a lead connector thereabout, and a separate U-shaped connectorassociated with said strip and having the legs thereof extending in adirection opposite of said tab With relation to said strip, the arcuatebase portion of said U-shaped connector being apertured and receivingsaid tab therethrough, the legs of said U-shaped connector extendingoutwardly of saidblock and adapted to receive a second strip elementsimilarly mounted in a second block therebetween to thereby physicallyand electrically connect the blocks.

9. A terminal block comprising aplurality of inwardly extendinglaterally spaced recessed portions along at leastone surface thereof,means in said block removably receiving an electrical conductor ofsubstantially nonresilient material, said conductor including 3,connecting strip having integrally associated therewith at least one tabextending laterally thereof into one of said recessed portions, saidstrip and said tab each being substantially flat cross section, said tabextending into said other end of said body portion formed intoaresilient leg, at leastonelate rally extending U-shapedarm on said bodyportion, and a leg segment on saidarm, said leg segment extendinglaterally of said arm and substantially parallel with said leg, said legand said leg segment extending outwardly of said block and adapted toreceive astrip element of a second terminal block in gripping relationtherebetween thereby physically and electrically interconnecting saidblocks.

10. An electrical conducting means adapted for attachment at one endtherof witha lead connector and at the other end thereof with a stripelement, said means including a body portion formed at one end thereofinto asubstantiallyflat tab adapted to receive a lead connectorthereabout, the other end of said body portion formed into a resilientleg, a laterally extending flute on said leg near theoutward endthereof, U-shaped arms extending laterally onboth sides of said bodyportion, a leg segment of each of said arms, and flutes on said legsegments near the outermost endsthereof, said leg segments extendinglaterally of said arms and substantially parallel and coextensive withsaid leg, the flutes on said leg, segments being juxtaposedwith theflute on said leg and being adapted thereby to wipe thesurface of astrip-element introduced between the leg. segments and the leg.

11. An electrical connector adapted to interconnect terminal blockshaving strip elements therein with laterally extending integral tabspositioned in inwardly extending recessed portions, said connector beinggenerally U-shaped with an apertured arcuate base portion adapted toreceive a tab of a first block therethrough and receive the associatedstrip elementbetween the legs thereof, said -legs having longitudinallyextending indented portions to receive a strip element of a second blocktherebetween.

12. An electrical conductor comprising a strip ofsubstantiallynon-resilient material having tabs extending laterally therefrom, aseparate U-shaped connector mounted on said conductor and having a tabextending through an aperture in the arcuate base portion thereof, saidU-shaped connector having legs extending on either side of said strip ina direction opposite to said tab with relation to said strip, andindented portions on said legs adapted to receive a strip of a secondelectrical conductor therebetween thereby interconnecting saidconductors.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,586,713 Sjolin June 1,1926 2,265,911 Landmeier Dec. 9, 1941 2,326,327Brewer Aug. 10, .1943 2,391,324 Martin Dec. 18,1945 2,397,102 GrahamMar. 26,1946 2,488,113 Barocas Nov, 15,1949 2,509,701 Smith May 30,19502, 73,533 Barocas Oct. 30;"1951 2,575,161 Deakin Nov. 13, .1951'2;619,-'516 Schneider Nov. 25, 1951 2,703,395 Long :Mar. 1 ,19552,709,247 Alden May 2451955 2,738,445 Hammerly et al Mar. 13, 19562,761;1l3 Spencer et al. Aug. 28,1956 2,805,405 Batcheller Sept. 3, 1957

